I think this place is a great place for kids, but I think most of the exhibits are geared towards…read morekids who can read. I thought my child would be able to partake in the exhibits either way, but she was not a reading age yet. So many of the exhibits were above her head. The best thing about the institute were the live classes and demonstrations. The live dissection of a cow eye was amazing. They also had a combustion show (think cool fire colors) and that was excellent. I did one of the planetarium shows and it was a little bit dry, even for an adult. Personally if the child can't read yet, I would say you may not get much out of it, but still a great place.

My family, in laws' family, and I visited here last week what's the plan to get a family Max…read moremembership and enjoy the institution art for a good long day and it was an extremely happy time for all. Needless to say, we got through less than the 3rd inside of the whole day's time. This large and famed institution has a lot to review and I hope to help your family to make an informed choice about ticket types and visiting. Ticketing is easy whether or not you did anything online, with obvious easy signage in the secondary Hall after the famed Ben Franklin Statue Hall. Welcome staff and generally all staff are so helpful and knowledgeable. We decided on the Family Max membership because it includes ATSC membership including admission to 300 other science centers, many of the same caliber and fame, also because many of them will be at our travel destinations for the next year. Membership is entirely online with barcodes and online ticketing reservations (which ironically generates even more barcodes, one per attendee) so it is extremely easy to use, especially more so if you have good IT fluency and a good record-keeping system. I did not use the parking deck, which membership discounts are $10 off the $25 fare each day, but access from any point in the city and by any type of transit is very easy. The building is famous, easy to find and hard to miss. Frontage is right on Logan Square and extremely easy to find and orient oneself. Specialitly entrances such as accessibility, ramps and group entrances are very easy to find. Special events at pavilions have their own entrances. The Halls and exhibitions are overwhelmingly many and a large with tons of displays and booths to occupy all humans of all ages for dozens of hours. We join their membership not only because we aren't too far away but because it would take so many visits to well appreciate the breath and death of this institution. Although I last came as a grade school student, I can see clearly why the parents then and now consider this a worthwhile trip. The included science shows (usually four different ones daily with a few repeats within each day) are excellent examples of this commitment to education and sturdy science. At a time when so much misinformation and alternative science prevail profitably, it is comforting and necessary that this this ideal cause continues. Lastly, the overall venue is just excellent with so many types of science represented as to sate the curiosities of any child in any domain. Great food is just blocks away, notable is that Chinatown is straight down Race Street, and great views from most windows ease the usual concerns of parents about logistics and interest both.

It's honestly hard for me to rate any museum under 5 stars, let's be real. I came for one of their…read moremonthly Dinos After Dark events and loved it. Even though it's a "pay what you want" event, there were still a lot of kids around. I kind of thought it might be more of an adults-only vibe, but it makes sense -- the whole place is built with kids in mind. There's a giant T. rex fossil in the main atrium that's super impressive, but the museum floor plan is a bit confusing. There are tons of kids' play areas and fewer traditional exhibits. A lot of the taxidermy looks almost too realistic, which is a little unnerving but also kind of cool. Still a really fun time overall. The top floor has an interactive animal area and another kids' play section. The second floor has a rubber dig pit for kids, and I accidentally wandered into it and immediately realized how hard it is to navigate when you're not actually there with a child. Oops. Staff was great. Super informative and enthusiastic, even showing off different types of roaches and explaining them in detail. You can tell they really love what they do. I learned a lot and had a genuinely good time. I'll definitely be back.

I visited the Academy natural science on free museum day during welcome America. The museum was not…read moreoverly crowded. The staff were super friendly. This museum has a lot of interesting animal exhibits and special exhibits. It's smaller so it's chewable for young children. There's also a children's area on the third floor with a lot of hands on things to do. He saw some of the dioramas of the animals, but spent most of our time in the special exhibit the ecology of fashion. The exhibit was very well done. Its focus was how fashion affects the environment, waste. And animals. It also showed new materials that are being used to cut back on waste. It highlighted the fast fashion trend, and how it affects sustainability. It was really interesting exhibit.

What an amazing Friday evening, we brought our mom an aunties here for a pre Mother's Day outing…read more The parking was a flat rate, however, there was parking along the side for free for those familiar with city parking rules. We were not so we parked in the lot. The whole museum was open for viewing from 5pm-8:45pm. Live music was great in the grand hall. There were a few tables, the whole staircase was open for sitting. Light fare food was available for eating, and the dining hall was open. It was a fantastic evening for a Pay What You Wish admission April 10-September 4, 2026. You may get your tickets online. Awesome outing for families, dates, hangout. I totally plan to visit again. The live band was very good and local to Philly.

I love a good museum and this one did not disappoint. No matter what type, medium, or genre of art…read morestrikes your fancy, I am certain that they have it here for you to appreciate and enjoy. One of my silliest and favorite parts of visiting museums is the little shops that often harbor inside of them. This museum had not one, but two of said shops boasting everything from merch related to the art on display, books about art, pieces from local makers, and way beyond. One thing that really excited my group was the photo booth located in one of the shops. For the fair price of $8, it takes three shots in your choice of black and white or color, provides a print, and emails you your photos. Much like many other mediums of art, I find photo booths to be such a simple joy that brings people together. We had such a meaningful day at the museum and I look forward to coming back on our next trip to the area.

Small, easy, short touristy trip. Another great free thing to do in the city when you have friends…read moreor family from out of town. I live in Nolibs, so this is an easy walk from my house. Parking is plentiful nearby, too!

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, PA…read more Boomsauce Score: BS +++ (Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!) Even mid-renovation, this place hits different. Stepping into Poe's former home is like walking through the pages of Gothic literature. The art installations and that surreal raven sculpture outside? Straight out of a dream--or a fevered poem. It's eerie, poetic, and deeply moving. Though the house is currently closed for a utilities improvement project, you can still feel the weight of history pressing through the walls. Poe lived here during one of his most prolific periods, penning classics like The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart. The cellar even resembles the one described in The Black Cat, adding a deliciously creepy layer to the visit. If you're in Philly, this is a must-visit. It's not just a museum--it's a tribute to the tortured brilliance of one of America's greatest literary minds. And when renovations wrap, it'll be even more hauntingly beautiful. --- Boomsauce Scale | Rating | Meaning |---------|----------------------------------| | B | basura (trash) | | BS | basic (come on! Try harder) | | BS + | better (Yo! That's better) | | BS ++ | best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) | | BS +++ | Amazing location! now that's boomsauce! |

Philadelphia was the first hub of modern medicine in the US. It's incredible to just take a few…read moreminutes to really appreciate the magnitude of this. The staff was really nice as we arrived a few minutes after our allotted time on our purchased tickets. I struggled with the tightness of the space. Many specimens required me to squat which may not be possible for other guests. There is so much to see but it's in such a tight space, specifically the first floor. Many of the glass cases were also warped which was not easy on the eyes. The museum has great potential if everything was spaced out more. Given that the space is tight, one felt rushed to read everything because there were other guests shoulder to shoulder trying to experience the space. If you were ever into Ripley's Believe It or Not, check the Mutter Museum out, plenty of unique cases! I felt queasy at times seeing real specimens floating in jars. The pharmaceutical marketing room was intriguing, I love seeing ads from the past!

If you like medical anomalies, check out the Mutter Museum. It's a very interesting and informative…read moremedical museum. It holds a collection of medical instruments and anatomical specimens, which include skeletons and organs. At the exhibits, you will find conjoined twins, diseased bones, and various types of skulls. Everything has been preserved carefully. No pictures in the main exhibits, if it features human remains. $20 for adults or $15 for students. Other discounts may apply.

After having it on my list for a while, I finally took a tour of the Masonic Temple with my husband…read moreand some friends yesterday. It was worth waiting for. Right across from the Philadelphia City Hall, the Masonic Temple serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It's a huge building and - wow - is it maximalist! Our tour was a little over an hour, and I recommend booking ahead (a group walked in just in front of us and hoped to buy tickets for the tour about to start, only to learn that it was sold out). Our tour guide was knowledgable (but told us when she didn't know the answer to a question because the Masons are secretive and keep a lot of facts about what occurs in the Lodge to themselves). The architecture is really stunning and there's so much to see: incredible plasterwork, grand staircases, murals, and more! Photography without flash is allowed throughout the tour, and I took about a million photographs. The Temple has a fascinating history, and the architecture and decor made my jaw drop a few times. Definitely worth visiting if you live in or are visiting Philadelphia.

A beautiful building that houses the leadership offices of the Grand Lodge of PA Freemasonry. Tours…read moreare available, but need to be scheduled in advance. Beautiful lodge rooms, hallways, artwork and fraternal historical artifacts. A landmark historical building well-worth the visit. Certainly a must-see if you are a member of this ancient and honorable fraternity, as are both my son and I.

An ad for this museum came up in my Instagram feed and I'm glad it did. I put it on my list when I…read morewas visiting Philly recently. This is more like a house than a museum and the walls are filled with art from top names in the art world. I had a very nice but rushed visit cause I was trying to visit the Philly art museum before it closed as well. Next time I'll take more time. Cezanne, Manet and Picasso. The staff was nice to deal with too.

Do I come here too much? Yes. Am I completely obsessed? Also yes. I love the Barnes Foundation so…read moremuch. It's genuinely one of the most unique art experiences you can have. Did you know the original owner wrote into his will that the walls had to stay exactly the same, down to the centimeter? It's wild. And all those odd little objects on the walls -- the spatulas, hinges, door handles -- they aren't random. They're there to guide your eyes, balance the compositions, and make you notice shapes and lines across different artworks. When you step back, you start seeing all the hidden layers and connections he built into each room. It's like a puzzle of patterns, themes, and echoes everywhere you look. The collection itself is insane. So many Cézannes, a Rousseau exhibit on view right now, a Matisse, and my absolute favorite: a huge, famous Seurat that I could stare at forever. Every visit feels like discovering something new, even in the same rooms I've walked through dozens of times. Downstairs they have the little hand carriers so you don't bump into anything, and each room has a paper guide breaking down the pieces by the north, east, south, and west walls. It's small details like that that make it such a thoughtful museum. I've been here more times than I can count, and it never gets old. Every visit feels fresh. I find something new to love every time. Absolute perfection.

Absolutely gem. Didnt expect it to be that great. If you…read moreare but artsy and a bit fun this is a place to get lost. Not only the museum itself but couple of blocks around it are all covered in mosaics. And crazy mosaics using anything and everything from bottles and plates to sculptures etc. You need a timed entry ticket, be sure to arrive in time. They are pretty strict on that. There is no parking anywhere around, the only place is right tin front and its $17 for yo to 2h.

Really interesting and meaningful work of art! This is for sure an installation that has much soul…read moreand heart in it. Walls filled with many different pieces of handmade artwork collected from different countries. Definitely unique and worth checking out if you want to experience a lot of interesting history and culture and take many cool photos from all sorts of angles! Read about the history! It is quite beautiful and wholesome!

I visit museums without pre-conceived notions, reading reviews generally after the fact. PAFA --…read moreas it's known -- is a good one. Founded in 1805 the academy is the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States. The historic landmark building is closed for renovations with three stories of exhibits now housed in their Hamilton Building (which is NOT named for Alexander!) Several things impacted me: the galleries are wide open, light and airy. A pleasure to walk through. A number of items from the Atwater Kent collection -- formerly the Philadelphia History Museum -- are on display. The diverse collection ranges from baseball, department stores (Wanamakers, anyone?), civil rights ... the list goes on. There is student and alumni art for sale and casts of Greek and Roman antiquity located in an active student workspace. As with most museums, exhibits change. The gift store with its friendly proprietor, is as good as any I've been to. A beautifully curated collection, and after Thanksgiving, I believe everything is discounted 30% for the holidays.

Great local arts (and oldest fine art)…read more Enjoy their occasional events. V inclusive and alternative. Friendly and clean

Popped in to thaw my dawgs and was greeted by a lovely giftshop. Lots of gorgeous prints and…read morejewlerly made by local artists and my favorite-- free postcards!! I was hoping to see the workshop, but the day I went only the 1st floor exhibits and the 8th floors were open to the public. I recently got back into sewing, so this was a great opportunity to explore new ways fabric has been used for expression.

love a surprise museum. They normally are free, niche, and not busy and this one hit both marks…read more Saw a really intresting installation that sparked some good conversation and I wanted to bring the leaf cocoons home with me. For a random stop because I happened to park in front of the door this was a cute wrap up to an overnight stay in Philly